Dana & Ubuntu
An Economic Paradigm Rooted in an Ancient Principle
Dharmagiri has been made possible through generosity.
Teachers and staff at Dharmagiri share their time and teachings freely since they are considered beyond monetary value. To support teachers and the centre team, we rely on dana (free will offerings/generosity).
Dana means ‘generosity’ or ‘free will offering‘ which follows the ancient practice of the Buddhist lineage where teachings are offered freely. Dharmagiri has been made possible through the generosity of others and likewise the gifts of our guests make it possible for future practitioners to benefit from their time at Dharmagiri. In this way, Dana allows those who have few resources access to the teachings and practice at Dharmagiri.
This understanding is also within the ancient African principle of Ubuntu which states “we are who we are through others.” As the consciousness we engage with conditions the societies we live within, the practice at Dharmagiri encourages overcoming the mindset that seeks self benefit at the expense of others.
Our Economic Model
Our economic model is not just about sustaining our retreat centre; it’s about fostering a community rooted in the values of compassion, generosity, and shared abundance.
By giving from the heart, we create a ripple effect that extends beyond the retreat itself, nurturing a culture of kindness and support that enriches both our individual lives and the broader community.
Teachings are Freely Given from the Heart
At Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat, we are committed to offering spiritual teachings rooted in generosity. Our experienced teachers provide their guidance and wisdom freely, from the heart, embodying the practice of Dana—the selfless sharing of knowledge without expectation of payment. While our teachings are freely given, the continuation of this practice relies on the generosity of our retreatants and supporters. We depend on free-will offerings to maintain our retreat centre, support our teachers, and keep our doors open to all who seek refuge and growth.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Dharmagiri is an inclusive space that reflects South Africa's diversity. To ensure that financial constraints do not hinder participation, we offer partial scholarships upon application. This helps us uphold our commitment to making spiritual practice accessible to everyone.
We invite you to be part of this circle of generosity, whether by attending a retreat, offering a donation, or sharing your time and resources in other ways. Together, we can ensure that Dharmagiri remains a place where all people can find peace, healing, and inspiration.
The Practice of Giving and Its Results
An act of generosity can be a spontaneous outpouring due the heart being touched or the desire to support that which we are aligned to. However generosity is also a practice that undermines grasping and helps us move beyond self centeredness. On a larger scale generosity enables a stable and cohesive family, society and world.
When you make an offering it is encouraged to do so with mindfulness, with a heart that lets go, with a heart of loving kindness and with no manipulation or agenda regards the result. This doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be careful monitoring of the results of sharing our resources and consideration of wise gifts, but in the moment of actually offering, free the heart from grasping and wish for the welfare of the other.
The karmic result of generosity is to live with abundance, to live fearlessly and to live open heartedly with a strong sense of kinship and interconnectedness within the web of life. May it be so for you!
In the act of giving we develop our ability to let go and cultivate a spirit of caring.